Schefter: Harrison unlikely to play Sunday

The Steelers will likely be without linebacker James Harrison for a third straight game, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Losing Harrison unquestionably hurts the defense. But it has yet to severely impact the results of games.

Since the start of the 2011 season, the Steelers have done just as well with Harrison (8-3 record) as without him (5-2 record). In a stat that will shock most, Pittsburgh averages slightly more sacks without Harrison. The Steelers have recorded 17 sacks in seven games without Harrison and 22 with him. LaMarr Woodley has sacked the quarterback 8.5 times in the seven games that Harrison has missed.

Where the Steelers really feel the loss of Harrison is in keeping offenses off the scoreboard. In the 11 games with Harrison since the start of 2011, the Steelers have limited teams to 12.7 points including two shutouts. Without Harrison, Pittsburgh has given up 18.2 points.

Harrison hasn't played since a playoff loss in Denver nine months ago. He was sidelined all of training camp with a knee injury, and had arthroscopic surgery on Aug. 15. There's a possibility that he could be available after next week's bye.

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, who is dealing with a strained right calf, could also miss Sunday's game at Oakland. He was sidelined in Sunday's 27-10 win over the New York Jets.

Chris Carter, a fifth-round pick in 2011, is expected to start in place of Harrison once again. Backup safety Ryan Mundy would make his third start of the season after replacing Ryan Clark in the season opener and Polamalu last Sunday.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/54959/schefter-harrison-unlikely-to-play-sunday
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Browns make changes at cornerback

The Cleveland Browns will start two different cornerbacks than the ones who began the season. In the midst of Joe Haden's suspension, Cleveland apparently has decided to bench Sheldon Brown.

Buster Skrine, who struggled last Sunday, will start in place of Brown against the Bills, according to ESPN Radio in Cleveland. "I just come in in the nickel package," he said.

The timing of the move is odd. Many expected Dimitri Patterson to take Brown's spot this offseason after he re-signed with the Browns for $16 million over three years (including $6 million guaranteed). Brown was the worst starting corner in the division last year and regularly got picked on by quarterbacks.

But Brown surprisingly worked with the first team through spring workouts and training camp. It also helped Brown that Patterson was sidelined for most of the preseason with an ankle injury. Brown, though, earned his spot by forcing two turnovers in the preseason.

When Haden began serving his four-game suspension, it was assumed Patterson would start alongside Brown. Now, it looks like Skrine will join Patterson in the starting lineup and Brown has been demoted.

The hope is that cutting Brown's snaps by nearly in half will lessen the wear and tear on the 33-year-old corner.

"Yeah, I mean, it really doesn't matter," he said. "I told you from Day 1 I'm a team guy. Whatever they want to do I'm going to roll with it."

Skrine has potential and a lot of speed. The biggest knock on him is he grabs too much, which often leads to pass interference penalties.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/54946/browns-make-changes-at-cornerback
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Ravens not looking for revenge vs. Pats

Heading into Sunday night's game against the New England Patriots -- a rematch of last season's crushing AFC Championship Game loss -- the Ravens have the R-word on their minds. But it's not revenge. It's about rebounding from last Sunday's one-point loss to Philadelphia.

The Ravens know they can't do anything Sunday to get even with the Patriots. A trip to the Super Bowl was on the line in January. This time, the winner gets to move on with a 2-1 record. Not exactly high stakes.

"I don't think the last game we played against them has anything to do with this game," quarterback Joe Flacco said.

The players who would need to redeem themselves the most aren't around anymore. Lee Evans, who failed to catch the winning touchdown, is out of football. Billy Cundiff, who missed the tying field goal, is playing 45 minutes down the road Sunday for the Redskins.

Consecutive Wins
Following Losses

(Longest current streaks)

Team	No.
Ravens	13
Falcons	10
Steelers	10

Inside linebacker Ray Lewis said this week's game hasn't stirred up any memories from the AFC title game.

"It's always hard to think like that when you have a totally different makeup as a team," he said. "So, we are looking at this game as a totally different game."

The Ravens have been able to move on from tough playoff losses. They've returned to the postseason every year under coach John Harbaugh.

It's the same way with Baltimore in the regular season. The Ravens have won 13 games following losses, the longest current streak in the NFL.

"We've been a pretty good team since I've been here, and good teams are able to put their past losses in the background and forget about it and move on to the next one," Flacco said. "I think that has a lot to do with winning that next game, just being able to forget about it and still go play your best game that next week."

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/54917/ravens-not-looking-for-revenge-against-patriots
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Wake-up call: Retractable roof for Browns?

I'm old school at heart so I'm not a fan of artificial surfaces or domed stadiums in football. Two teams in the division already play on the fake stuff (the Ravens and Bengals) and now the Browns are exploring the possibility of adding a roof to their stadium. What's next for the Browns? Adding cheerleaders? OK, let's not go down that road. Time to proceed to the wake-up call ...

BENGALS: Jeromy Miles has taken over for Taylor Mays at strong safety, playing 48 of a possible 67 defensive snaps last Sunday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Miles pointed out that Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III's best throw is off play action and is deep down the middle of the field, an area that could frequently be Miles' responsibility Sunday. "He helps in any way he can," coach Marvin Lewis said of Miles. "He's one of those guys that 'does windows.' He does as much as he can, and he's one of the nuts and bolts of the operation. He's strong, he's tough, physical, smart enough, fast. He's still a young, developing player." Miles has made plays this season, but the Bengals need to address this position better next season.

BROWNS: Soon-to-be Browns owner Jimmy Haslam informed Cleveland City Council members that he would consider a retractable roof for Cleveland Browns Stadium, The Plain Dealer reported. Browns coach Pat Shurmur didn't endorse the idea. "I like the setting that we present on gameday here," he said. "I'm not really trying to visualize anything at this point. Some of the charm, at least what I've experienced so far here in Cleveland, is kind of the late season wintery setting." Playing with snow on the field is part of Cleveland's football identity. The focus should continue to be constructing a winning team, not an impractical roof.

RAVENS: Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata called the Ravens defense, which ranks 27th in the NFL, "definitely a work in progress." Baltimore is coming off a game in which it gave up 486 yards to the Eagles and now faces a Patriots offense that ranks No. 6 in the league. "We have a lot of new faces in our front seven," Ngata said, via CSN Baltimore. "We're just trying to get used to each other. Once we continue to jell more, I think we'll seem more dominant." The Ravens have finished ranked in the top 10 in defense from 2003 to 2011, when they were No. 3.

STEELERS: Teammates were impressed by Rashard Mendenhall in practice Wednesday, although it doesn't mean the Steelers running back will make his debut Sunday. "He made a cut on the back side of a zone (blocking scheme) and just took off," guard Willie Colon told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "It kind of reminded me of the old Rashard. He actually looked more explosive. He looked fast. Everything I saw was a good sign." Mendenhall has yet to be cleared to play after having ACL surgery in January. Without Mendenhall, the Steelers rank 30th in the NFL in rushing, averaging 70.5 yards on the ground per game.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/54934/wake-up-retractable-roof-for-browns-stadium
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AFC North injury report

A look at the first injury reports of the week for teams in the AFC North:

BILLS AT BROWNS

Bills: RB Fred Jackson (knee), DT Marcell Dareus (not injury related), FS Jairus Byrd (ankle) and WR Ruvell Martin (ankle) did not practice.

Browns: LB James Michael-Johnson (ribs-oblique) and TE Alex Smith (head) did not practice. WR Josh Cribbs (knee), DE Juqua Parker (foot), DL Billy Winn (head), DB Ray Ventrone (head) and OL Oniel Cousins (ankle) were limited.

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BENGALS AT REDSKINS

Bengals: CB Dre Kirkpatrick (knee) has been ruled out. DE Robert Geathers (groin), CB Leon Hall (calf), TE Donald Lee (thigh), G Kevin Zeitler (hip) and SS Jeromy Miles (hip) were limited. DE Carlos Dunlap (knee) had a full practice.

Redskins: WR Pierre Garcon (foot), S Brandon Meriweather (knee), CB Josh Wilson (head) were limited.

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STEELER AT RAIDERS

Steelers: RB Jonathan Dwyer (toe), T Marcus Gilbert (groin), LB James Harrison (knee), TE Heath Miller (abdomen), S Troy Polamalu (calf), WR Emmanuel Sanders (knee), WR Mike Wallace (groin) did not participate. T Mike Adams (back), LB Stevenson Sylvester (knee) were limited. RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee) had full participation.

Raiders: Practice not complete.

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PATRIOTS AT RAVENS

Ravens: CB Lardarius Webb (knee), LB Jameel McClain (knee), SS Bernard Pollard (chest), DE Pernell McPhee (knee) and OL Jah Reid (calf) did not practice. LB Paul Kruger (back) and OT Michael Oher (ankle) were limited.

Patriots: TE Aaron Hernandez (ankle) did not practice. C Dan Connolly (concussion), CB Alfonzo Dennard (hamstring), TE Daniel Fells (shin), DT Justin Francis (ankle), WR Brandon Lloyd (thigh), C Nick McDonald (shoulder), CB Sterling Moore (knee), RB Shane Vereen (foot) and OT Sebastian Vollmer (back) were limited.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/54908/afc-north-injury-report-33
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Chat Rewind: Why ignore Ray Rice?

If you missed today's AFC North weekly chat, don't start cursing loudly at work. I have some highlights for you. Just slip me a 20 when you leave.

Ryan (Fla.): You see Torrey Smith busting out to a good year as season wears on for Ravens?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): My prediction was that Torrey Smith would end up being the No. 1 receiver. He had such a good offseason and training camp. It's only two games, so I'm not going to change my prediction yet. It took him some time to get started last year as a rookie as well.

Ted (Baltimore): Jamison, how long before we see Rashard Mendenhall in the starting running back position for Steelers? You think he can overcome injury and be a solid performer? Steelers could use him back there!

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Never a big Mendenhall fan. He really ran timid last year. Mendenhall showed no patience for holes to open inside and wanted to bounce everything to the outside. The Steelers' best option, in my opinion, is Jonathan Dwyer. But this is a position that the Steelers need to address next offseason.

Auto4Short (Homersville OH): JH, the Bengals have looked awful these past two games. When our injured cornerbacks return, Carlos Dunlap returns, and Dontay Moch gets off his suspension, can this defense turn it around and have us headed to back to back winning seasons?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): The key is getting Carlos Dunlap back. Before his injury in the preseason opener, he was the best defensive player that I saw during my AFC North training camp tour. The problem with Dunlap has always been injuries. The cornerbacks have looked old early this season. Getting Dre Kirkpatrick back, whenever that will be, will be a boost as well.

Andy in Hagerstown (Maryland): Jamison, why oh why do the Ravens do this to themselves??? Last year the Ravens lost to the Jags, Seahawks and Chargers with Rice running 10 times or less. In Philly, Rice was averaging over seven yards a carry and they just stopped using him. I don't know if Cam Cameron is to blame or not, but the offense still appears to be dysfunctional. What are your thoughts?

Cole Jamison (Newark Delaware): Why do the Ravens like to not give the ball to arguably one of the best running backs in the NFL? It seems like in almost every game once Ray gets the ball 10 times they just completely stop running him.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Cole and Andy, it looks like you're both on the same wavelength here. When it comes to Rice, it seems like the Ravens try to be too cute and use him as a decoy. It worked against the Bengals, who were keying everything on Rice. At some point, the Ravens have to give it to the player who is a threat to take it to the end zone every time he touches the ball. It amazes me that the Ravens go such long stretches without getting the ball to Rice.

Michael (Cincinnati): Congratulations to you and your family on the new arrival. Now, do you really believe the Browns are the worst team in the league?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): In my power rankings, I have the Browns at No. 29. So, I don't think they're the worst team in the league. Based on the first two games, they are better than the Raiders, Chiefs and Jaguars.

Greg (Jersey City): Do you see Brandon Weeden's next game being more like Week 1 or Week 2?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Depends on whether the Browns can keep Mario Williams off Weeden. Throwing under pressure is Weeden's biggest challenge.

Andrew H (Baltimore): Who will have the better game? (Joe Flacco or Tom Brady) and (Andy Dalton or RG3)?. This is also a Fantasy Football question.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): My ranking would go like this: Brady, Flacco, RG3 and Dalton. Of course, there is a disclaimer: I'm awful at fantasy football.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/54901/chat-rewind-wheres-ray-rice
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Have a question? Send it to the mailbag

You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/54883/have-a-question-send-it-to-the-mailbag
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Bengals' Adam Jones wins AFC award

The Bengals' Adam Jones was named AFC special teams player of the week after he returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown in Cincinnati's 34-27 win against the Cleveland Browns. He also returned one kickoff for 31 yards. Jones has three career punt returns for touchdowns that have covered at least 80 yards. There are three other active players who have accomplished that feat: Devin Hester (five), Patrick Peterson (four) and Nate Burleson (three).

This marks the second time in Jones' six-year career that he has won the AFC special teams player of the week award. He previously won the award in 2005 (Week 14) with the Tennessee Titans.

Dolphins running back Reggie Bush won the offensive player of the week award. He beat out four nominees from the AFC North: Browns running back Trent Richardson, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, and Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden.

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt won the defensive player of the week award. Cleveland linebacker D'Qwell Jackson was a nominee after recording five tackles, three sacks and one interception against the Bengals.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/54895/bengals-jones-wins-afc-player-of-week-award
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Poll: Surprise of the passing game

The biggest disappointment in the division has been the play of the defenses. The biggest surprise has been the production from some unexpected players in the passing game.

After two games, slot receiver Andrew Hawkins leads the Bengals in receiving yards (142), not A.J. Green. Hawkins was on the roster bubble this summer before beating out Jordan Shipley.

Wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi tops the Browns with 131 yards receiving and a 16.4-yard average. He was expected to get bumped out of the starting lineup by Josh Gordon after last year's disappointing season.

Tight end Dennis Pitta ranks first on the Ravens in catches (13) and receiving yards (138) after missing most of the preseason with a broken hand. He was the second tight end taken by the Ravens in the 2010 draft (Ed Dickson was the first one).

Wide receiver Mike Wallace is tied for first on the Steelers with two touchdowns and is second in both receptions (nine) and receiving yards (111). These numbers come after Wallace skipped all of the offseason workouts and training camp.

Record your vote and give me your reason why by sending me a note to my mailbag. Your comment could be used later in the week when I post the results of the poll.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/54877/poll-surprise-of-the-passing-game
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AFC North chat alert

Unlike Joe Flacco and the Ravens, we're going to take time in the AFC North blog and huddle up for our weekly chat. Actually, the Ravens did get away from the no-huddle last Sunday in Philadelphia, which was one of the problems. But that's not exactly the point of this post. The weekly chat is going to be held at 2 p.m. today.

If you want a question answered or just hang out with others from the coolest division in the NFL (don't tell the NFC North that I said this because Packers fans are really touchy), click on the words right here to join in on the fun. You can always post your question about the Bengals, Browns, Ravens and Steelers at any time. Give me your one best question because my goal is to respond to everyone who shows up for the chat.

See you in an hour.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/54873/afc-north-chat-alert-40
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